Sunday 4 March 2012

Reviews: Award Winning Books in March




This month's award-winning books start off with some Red House Book Award winners.
The Red House Book Award is a national UK award whose nominations and voting are made exclusively by children. There are three categories:
  • Books for Younger Children,
  • Books for Younger Readers, and
  • Books for Older Readers.
The book with the most votes overall becomes the Red House Book Award Winner.
The award is owned and co-ordinated by the Federation of Children's Book Groups. At the time of writing they hold a Twitter chat on Sunday evenings between 8 and 9 p.m. (UK time), using the hashtag #fedbkgrp.


The first two books were both winners in the Books for Younger Children category.


What!ca icon What! [Alternative title: What! Cried Granny] by Kate Lum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Patrick, like many other little boys, gives lots of excuses as to why he can't yet go to bed. Granny has a solution to each problem, but making all the things that Patrick needs for a comfortable night's sleep takes a lot of time and effort. As a read aloud there is lots of repetition and opportunity for participation. It is a funny book, and would be great for a group of mixed ages and genders. It would fit a sleep, bedtime or pyjama party theme.

Winner of the Red House Children's Book Award for Younger Readers in 1999.



en, england, english, great britain icon Scruffy Bear and the Six White Mice by Chris Wormell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a lovely story, and well told. The pictures complement the action perfectly, with sympathy and clarity. When out walking one day, Scruffy Bear happens upon a group of six white mice in need of help. They fear they will be eaten by owls, or foxes, or snakes and don't know what to do. Scruffy Bear helps them out when they eventually meet up with all the things they are scared of and outwits each adversary. I'll say no more, except to say that all turns out well for the mice. I can't wait to read this book aloud to all my young groups, I feel sure they'll love it!

Chris Wormell is an English print-maker as well as an author and illustrator.

Red House Children's Book Award Winner for Younger Readers 2012.


View all my reviews

4 comments:

  1. What better recommendations than ones from children who have read the books! I didn't know about the Red House Book Awards. In New Hampshire we have the Stone Face Award given by children who have voted for their favorite books.

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    Replies
    1. I agree Joyce! Those kids have chosen some great titles this year. They are all listed on this page http://www.redhousechildrensbookaward.co.uk/winners/index

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    2. Hi! Like Joyce Ray, I didn't know about this award-giving-body. Thanks for alerting us to this. These two picture books also look very lovely. :)

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    3. I think the choices for older children look good too!

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